Carasel Explains: How to Fit a Towbar

For an automobile novice, installing a towbar should not be on the list of things for you to attempt in your lifetime – our only advice is for you to leave it to the experts. If you’re good with your hands, though, doing it yourself with a ready-made towbar kit may save you a few hundred dollars – all you need is a little bit of patience, a great work space that is flat and filled with light, and the right tools.

Before you tackle the task of installing a towbar, you will first need to see which towbars is suitable to be fitted to the model and make of your car. You will then need to decide whether you want a car mounted or coach mounted towbar – the basic difference between the two is that a car mounted towbar is installed at the front of the vehicle and a coach mounted towbar is installed at the rear of the vehicle.

After deciding between a car mounted and coach mounted, you must decide whether you will require a rigid or collapsible towbar. The collapsible towbar is easy to hook up and adjust, but is more prone to theft if it does not come with a locking system. The rigid towbar is exactly that – rigid – and does not collapse or adjust. It is less expensive and popular with those who do not need to disconnect and reconnect the towing system often.

Before you begin installing a towbars, you will need to assemble the towbar kit and the tools required. If the towbar kit does not come with a set tool list, the minimum requires will be: a socket set, screwdrivers (a Phillips head and flat) or various sizes and shank length, a torque wrench, a tape measure. You may also require additional cable ties to tidy up wiring and a length of pinchweld to neaten up the bumper aperture.

Next you must ensure that your vehicle is parked on a flat surface. Measure the front frame of your vehicle – you will need to be careful while centring the area that you will mark for drilling holes into. After marking the frame, you will need to measure the width of the frame to ensure that you have made the marking in the correct place. Bring the towbar into line and fasten it to the vehicle, then drill holes into the marked area. Lastly, tighten the bolts of the towbar to secure the towbar firmly.

These are just the basic steps for how to fit a towbars – of course this will change for varying types of towbars and the model and make of your vehicle. If your kit does not come with detailed instructions for installation or you are unsure of any steps along the way, it may be helpful to simply hire a professional to fit the towbar for you. For all your towbar needs, call Carasel on 1300 303 TOW (869).

Image via Shutterstock. For an automobile novice, installing a towbar should not be on the list of things for you to attempt in your lifetime – our only advice is for you to leave it to the experts. If you’re…